Time we opened all our minds to removing mental health stigma

Imagine how horrified we would be if we discovered that more than 40pc of people felt that undergoing treatment for diabetes was a sign of personal failure or that 60pc would discriminate against hiring somebody with a history of asthma on the grounds that they may be unreliable.

Imagine how horrified we would be if we discovered that more than 40pc of people felt that undergoing treatment for diabetes was a sign of personal failure or that 60pc would discriminate against hiring somebody with a history of asthma on the grounds that they may be unreliable.

The latest research from St Patrick's Mental Health Services reveals these disturbing findings about people's attitudes to those with mental health problems.

Alongside the findings regarding attitudes to treatment and employment, 22pc of those surveyed believe that those suffering from mental health problems are of below average intelligence and 30pc stated that they would not willingly accept someone with a mental health problem as a close friend.

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